7 Low-Tech Gadgets You Really Need

Who doesn’t remember the Veg-O-Matic? It sliced. It diced. It made our fingers bleed. Or the Roomba, the disc-shaped vacuum that could change direction when encountering obstacles and doubled as a fun ride for a cat wearing a shark costume. (Both still available for purchase, cat not included.)

Actual experience with no-brand gizmos advertised on late-night TV has made us rightfully suspicious of many gadgets. We’re dubious about yet another product that looks like it was invented in a neighbor’s basement. Another big turn-off are implements that pass themselves off as “older-people-friendly,” but seem better suited to the Easy Bake Oven crowd (like, for instance, the OptiGrill, a George Foreman Grill knock-off).

At Next Avenue, we’ve been reviewing doodads and thingamajigs that really are perfect for 50-plussers. They’re easy to use, protect our bodies from wear and tear and perform important functions. You really need these gadgets!

Gtech AirRamWhile we’re on the subject of vacuum cleaners (I know you watched that cat video) — I tested out Gtech’s AirRam right after a hair-shedding dog paid a visit. The AirRam cleaned the floors well. It’s efficient, easy to maneuver and bagless. For heavy-duty cleaning, I’d still want something powerful with a hose that can get into corners and be fitted with an attachment to tackle upholstery. But I love how at 7.7 pounds, the AirRam is easier to lift than the free weights I use at the gym. In “flat mode,” it devours the dust bunnies under the bed.

The 50-plus advantage: It’s “look ma, I can lift this with one hand” light.

Other pros: Because it works on a battery, you don’t have to worry about an electric cord knocking over stuff or continually re-plugging the machine.

Cons: Battery life is only 40 minutes. For a thorough house cleaning, I need more time.

Price: $349.95

EZLeaps This shoe tying tool almost made it into my “totally ridiculous ideas” folder. After all, with Velcro and slip-ons, who really needs to tie shoes these days? But then . . . a friend who was sitting on a chair in my kitchen, fussing with her purple Converse high-tops, started complaining about a bit of arthritis in her fingers, and I handed her the business card-size EZLeaps and the instructions (video available on the website). In a minute, she was well shod and ready to go.

The 50-plus advantage: Invented for little kids, EZLeaps seems to have a second life since there is a huge cohort out there whose fingers are growing stiffer.

Other pros: Takes up no space in your wallet.

Cons: You may feel awkward using it — but at least you won’t be tripping over your laces.